2D Ti₂C (MXene) as a novel highly efficient and selective agent for photothermal therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has shown significant potential for anti-cancer modality. In this report, according to our best knowledge, we explore for the first time Ti₂C-based MXene as a novel, highly efficient and selective agent for photothermal therapy (PTT). Ti₂C superficially modified with PEG was obtained from the layered, commercially available Ti₂AlC MAX phase in the process of etching aluminum layers using concentrated HF, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM) as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA-XPS). The PEG-coated Ti₂C flakes showed a satisfactory photothermal conversion efficacy (PTCE) and good biocompatibility in wide range of the tested concentrations. Through in vitro studies, the PEG-modified Ti₂C demonstrated notable NIR-induced ability to cancerous cells' ablation with minimal impact on non-malignant cells up to the concentration of 37.5 μg mL^-1. The applied doses of Ti₂C_PEG in our work were even 24 times lower comparing other MXene-based photothermal agents. This work is expected to expand the utility of 2D MXenes to biomedical applications through the development of entirely novel agents for photothermal therapy. This work is expected to expand the utility of 2D MXenes to biomedical applications through the development of entirely novel agents for photothermal therapy.